Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today presided over a graduation ceremony for 1,582 new police officers at Madison Square Garden. This is the sixth class of officers to join the Police Department since September 11, 2001, when 23 officers were lost.

"Today we welcome 1,582 men and women into ranks of New York's Finest," said Mayor Bloomberg. "They are charged with an extraordinary responsibility; fighting crime, protecting our City and keeping New Yorkers safe and secure in an often dangerous world. Over the past four years, the men and women of the NYPD have brought crime to record lows and have distinguished themselves as 'first preventers' in the War on Terror. I am sure that this new class, with its strong educational credentials, diversity and experience, will be excellent protectors of our great City."

"For the past six months, these men and women trained extremely hard to prepare for the most important work there is: protecting the public in the World's greatest City," said Commissioner Kelly. "I want to congratulate our newest members of the Department. In addition, I commend the staff of the Police Academy for doing such an outstanding job of preparing these men and women."

This class is the most diverse to have ever graduated from the academy. Approximately 28% of the graduates are Hispanic, 18% are black, 6% are Asian, 2% are other ethnicities, and 46% are white. Approximately 16% of the graduates are female. Today's class is made up of 404 graduates who have received four-year college degrees; 275 have completed associates degrees and 18 have earned Master's degrees. Members of the class hail from a wide range of professions including 84 graduates have served in the military.

Mayor Bloomberg also presented the Mayor's Award to Police Officer Robert P. Klein for earning the highest overall average in the class. In addition, Police Officer Dominick Desiervi received the Police Commissioner's Award for earning the second highest overall average. Police Officer Vincent M. Calderone received the First Deputy Commissioner's Award for earning the highest academic average. Police Officer Richard Newman and Police Officer Tricia E. Peckham received the Chief of Department's Award for earning the highest physical fitness runoff average. Police Officer George M. Mendez Jr. received the Deputy Commissioner of Training Award for earning the highest firearms proficiency average. Police Officer Ethan H. Hauser received the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Award as outstanding company sergeant. Police Officer Vincent Randazzo and Police Officer John V. Ryan received New York City Police Foundation Awards for exceptional community service.

The graduates recently completed approximately seven months of training at the Police Academy in various field assignments. The new officers will be assigned to various commands throughout the City, including the Patrol Services Bureau, Housing Bureau, and Transit Division.